In English vocabulary, select the word that is the closest synonym of 'parlance' in the context of a particular way of speaking or specialized language.

Introduction / Context:
The word 'parlance' is often used in formal or semi-formal English to talk about a particular way of speaking in a group or field. In vocabulary-based questions, you must not only know dictionary meanings but also feel how words are used in real contexts. The question tests your ability to match 'parlance' with a synonym that conveys the idea of characteristic speech, style, or terminology used by a specific community or profession.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Target word: 'parlance'.
Options: definitive, lingo, canonical, classic.
We assume the usual context of phrases such as 'in legal parlance' or 'in common parlance'.
We need the option closest in meaning to 'a particular way or manner of speaking'.

Concept / Approach:
'Parlance' generally means 'a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way that is characteristic of a particular group'. For example, 'in medical parlance' refers to vocabulary and expressions commonly used by doctors. 'Lingo' is an informal term for the special language or jargon used by a particular group. Both words point toward specialized vocabulary and style. The other options are related to ideas of authority, standard, or quality but do not specifically denote a manner of speaking.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of 'parlance': a particular manner or style of speaking, especially specialized phraseology. Step 2: Examine 'lingo': it means special vocabulary or jargon of a particular field or group, often difficult for outsiders to understand. This is very close to 'parlance' in usage. Step 3: Examine 'definitive': it means conclusive, authoritative, or most reliable, and does not describe a language style. Step 4: Examine 'canonical': it refers to something accepted as standard or authoritative, usually in reference to texts, rules, or works of art, not speech. Step 5: Examine 'classic': it often means typical, of high quality, or belonging to the highest rank in literature, art, or style, again not specifically related to a way of speaking.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, insert each option into a typical phrase such as 'in legal parlance'. 'In legal lingo' sounds natural and has the same meaning of specialized legal language. 'In legal definitive', 'in legal canonical', and 'in legal classic' either sound wrong or change the meaning completely. Additionally, dictionaries often cross-reference 'parlance' with words like 'jargon', 'terminology', or 'lingo'. This simple comparison confirms that 'lingo' is the closest synonym among the given options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Definitive' is about final, authoritative decisions or editions and cannot replace 'parlance' in expressions about language. 'Canonical' refers to what is officially accepted as genuine or standard, especially in religious or literary contexts, but not to a manner of speech itself. 'Classic' usually points to something traditional, exemplary, or of lasting worth; it is not used to mean specialized vocabulary or jargon. Therefore, they fail to capture the central idea of 'parlance'.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be distracted by the more serious or formal tone of words like 'canonical' or 'definitive', thinking that because 'parlance' sounds formal, they must pick a similarly 'serious-sounding' word. However, synonym questions depend on meaning, not on mood or sound. Another pitfall is ignoring how words behave in common phrases. Checking whether 'in legal ____' or 'in everyday ____' sounds correct is a quick way to eliminate unsuitable options.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym of 'parlance' in this context is 'lingo'.